Back row dynamo James Collins is named in the starting line-up as Worcester Warriors prepare for the Guinness Premiership local derby with Gloucester Rugby at Sixways Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
Flanker Collins plays blindside and is one of four changes made by Director of Rugby Ruddock as Warriors prepare for a crunch clash in front of a massive Sixways crowd.
Former Gloucester player Chris Fortey is named at hooker and Academy product Callum Black is handed his first Guinness Premiership start at tighthead prop.
Speedster Miles Benjamin returns on the wing for Warriors with former New Zealand international Rico Gear moving to outside centre.
Fit again fly half Matthew Jones is named among the replacements along with centre Alex Grove.
“The positive aspect of last week’s visit to London Irish was that some of the younger players that came off the bench fronted up and showed their desire to be part of the team,” said Ruddock.
“Players like Callum Black and James Collins did exceptional well and they are now rewarded with a deserved place in the starting line-up.”
Warriors v Gloucester
15 Chris Latham
14 Marcel Garvey
13 Rico Gear
12 Dale Rasmussen
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Willie Walker
9 Ryan Powell
1 Matt Mullan
2 Chris Fortey
3 Callum Black
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Will Bowley
6 James Collins
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann
16 Darren Morris
17 Aleki Lutui
18 Graham Kitchener
19 Netani Talei
20 Jonny Arr
21 Matthew Jones
22 Alex Grove
Tickets remain on sale for the derby clash with Gloucester Rugby. Call 01905 454183 or visit www.warriors.co.uk to be part of an historic day at Sixways Stadium,